Cervical Lymph Node Removal / Neck Mass Excision

What Is a Neck Mass or Lymph Node?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands located throughout the neck that help your body fight infection.

Sometimes a lymph node or other tissue in the neck can become enlarged, forming a neck mass. This can occur due to:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Benign (non-cancerous) growths
• Less commonly, cancer

Why Is Surgery Recommended?

Your doctor may recommend removing a lymph node or neck mass if:

• It has remained enlarged over time
• It is growing or causing symptoms
• Imaging or biopsy results are unclear
• A definitive diagnosis is needed
• There is concern for tumor or cancer

Removing the mass allows for accurate diagnosis and, in some cases, treatment.

What Is the Procedure?

This procedure involves removing a lymph node or lump from the neck. It may also be called:

• Lymph node excision
• Neck mass removal
• Excisional biopsy

How Is the Procedure Performed?

• The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia
• A small incision is made in the neck, often placed in a natural skin crease
• The surgeon carefully identifies and removes the lymph node or mass
• Nearby nerves and blood vessels are protected
• The incision is closed with sutures or surgical adhesive

The procedure typically takes 30–90 minutes, depending on the location and complexity.

What to Expect After Surgery

• Most patients go home the same day
• Mild pain, swelling, or bruising is common
• A small scar will be present and typically fades over time
• Stitches may dissolve or be removed at a follow-up visit

Recovery

• Most people return to normal activities within a few days to one week
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least one week
• Pathology (lab results) is usually available within several days to one week

Benefits of Surgery

• Provides a clear diagnosis
• Removes abnormal or concerning tissue
• Helps guide further treatment if needed
• May relieve discomfort or visible swelling

Risks

This is generally a safe procedure, but possible risks include:

• Bleeding or infection
• Scarring
• Numbness or tingling around the incision
• Injury to nearby nerves (rare, may affect movement or sensation)
• Fluid collection (seroma)

Post-Operative Instructions

How You Will Feel

You may feel drowsy and tired after surgery due to anesthesia. Most patients rest the evening of surgery and regain energy over the next day. Light movement is encouraged and will not disrupt your surgery.

Nausea

Some nausea is normal after surgery despite medications.

• Stick to clear liquids initially
• Avoid heavy foods
• Symptoms typically resolve within 8–10 hours

Pain / Discomfort

• Mild discomfort around the incision and neck is common
• Use prescribed pain medication as directed
• Take a dose before bed on the night of surgery and again the next morning
• After 1–2 days, many patients can switch to acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Swelling

• Swelling and bruising are common and may increase overnight
• Apply a gentle ice pack during the first 48 hours
• Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows
• Most swelling improves within 4–5 days

Fever

• A low-grade fever (up to 101°F) is common
• Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed

Antibiotics / Infection

• You may receive antibiotics during and/or after surgery
• Infection is uncommon, but call if you notice:
  • Increasing redness
  • Swelling with tenderness
  • Fever

Activity

• Resume light activity as tolerated
• Avoid heavy lifting or straining for at least 1 week
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 weeks
• Most patients return to work within 3–5 days

Diet

• No dietary restrictions

Incision Care / Dressings

• Incision may be closed with stitches or surgical glue (Dermabond)
• If Dermabond is used, it will peel off on its own in 7–10 days
• If a drain is placed:
  • You will receive care instructions
  • Record daily output
  • Drain is usually removed within a few days

Hygiene

• You may shower or bathe normally
• Clean the incision gently with soap and water
• Avoid scrubbing the area

Numbness

• Temporary numbness around the incision, ear, or cheek is common
• Sensation usually returns over weeks to months

Facial Weakness

• Temporary mild weakness (often near the corner of the mouth) can occur
• This typically resolves within a few weeks
• Permanent weakness is rare

Follow-Up

• You will be seen in the office 1–2 weeks after surgery
• This appointment should have been scheduled by the surgery coordinator
• Contact your surgery coordinator if you are unsure about your appointment

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor if you experience:

• Fever over 102°F that does not improve with medication
• Sudden increase in neck swelling
• Difficulty breathing

Emergency Room

If you need to go to the Emergency Room, please use the following guidelines:

• Age 16 and older: Centennial Medical Center Frisco
• Under age 16: Children’s Medical Center Plano